Pre-Sale Screening of Pet Buyers

On December 30, 2013 Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) announced a new licensing rule for buying cats, dogs and rabbits. AVA calls this pre-sale screening and it came into effect on January 1, 2014. Pet shops should start the implementation of the new licensing rule immediately. AVA believes that pre-sale screening can reduce impulse buying and abandonment of pets.

If you want to know more about AVA’s pre-sale screening, you should be familiar with the requirements of pet buyers. Here’s an idea:

Pet Purchase Declaration Form

Minimum Age RequirementThe pet buyer needs to fill out the pet purchase declaration form provided by the pet shop. This form is important because it will contain information that can give the pet shops an idea of who the buyer is. If the pet shop is satisfied with the given information, it can approve the purchase.

AVA is serious about curbing impulsive buying and abandonment cases. AVA needs to know that the pet buyer is responsible and mature enough to take the responsibilities. Pet buyers should be at least 16 years old. If they are younger, they should be accompanied by their parents or guardians.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

AVA understands that adapting this new licensing rule will take time so they are giving pet shops thirty days grace period before they fully enforce it. As mentioned earlier, this rule will only include dogs, cats and rabbits. Pet shops who fail to comply will pay a fine of S$500. For repeat offenders, their license may be revoked or suspended.

AVA admitted that enforcing this new licensing rule will be difficult and challenging but this is necessary. The pet shops and pet buyers will eventually comply.